The Philippines - Birdtour Asia

The Philippines
9 th – 24 th March 2013
Leader: Rob Hutchinson
Participants: Elena Babij, Dave and Joy Peters, Ed Owen,
Frederic Pelsy, John Ward, Oliver Ziesing
Palawan Peacock Pheasant
© Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia
The number of recognised endemics in the Philippines is ever rising as our taxonomic knowledge improves with
an astonishing 228 true endemics currently recognised by the IOC. At the same time many of these species are
highly threatened as some habitats continue to disappear at a rapid rate. Now is undoubtedly a great time to
visit for those wishing to experience this amazing avian diversity and the good news is that a great number can
be seen even on a short tour, which recorded no less than 140 in two weeks!
Highlights are always so difficult to choose but excellent views of Philippine Eagle on Mount Kitanglad were
appreciated as was the excellent night-birding there with the Bukidnon Woodcocks performing well, unbeatable
views of Philippine Frogmouth and a Giant Scops Owl at a particularly unearthly time of night!
In the Mindanao lowlands Celestial Monarch was extremely obliging but was knocked from our top 5 by great
performance from two Rufous Hornbill families and Steere’s Pitta.
On Palawan the regular Palawan Peacock Pheasant was arguably outdone by a stellar performance by Falcated
Ground Babbler and the biggest surprise was finding day roosting Mantanani Scops Owl for the second tour
running. The tour culminated on Luzon where we saw all the possible owls, and all the mega day-birds including
both endemic malkohas, Spotted Wood Kingfisher, White-fronted Tit, Green Racquet-tail and Ashy Ground
Thrush.

After meeting up in the bustling capital city of Manila we enjoyed an excellent buffet dinner and a good night’s
rest before beginning our Philippines adventure with a flight south-east across the archipelago to the island of
Mindanao, the second largest of more than 7100 islands in this fascinating biogeographical melting-pot. After
touchdown we were soon heading south towards Bukidnon province where we would begin our tour on the
Mount Kitanglad, famed as the best site to find most of those species found only in the mountains of Mindanao.
Powered by an early lunch we made our way up the mountain, relieved that the good weather made our river
crossing easy and the trails perfectly dry so that by mid-afternoon we had already arrived at our secluded camp
in the forest edge and a striking contrast to the noise and bustle of Manila the previous night!
Philippine Frogmouth, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao
Everett’s Scops Owl and Bukidnon Woodcock, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao
The walk up had already given us our first endemics like Philippine Swiftlet, Colasisi and White-eared Brown
Dove, then around the camp yet more appeared including Cinnamon Ibon, Elegant Tit, Buzzing Flowerpecker
and Sulphur-billed Nuthatch alongside non-endemic but still exciting Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Mountain
White-eye and Mountain Verditer. The real excitement of the day however starts as dark arrives, firstly a
Philippine Nightjar calling from a nearby banana tree, then a superb display by at least three Bukidnon
Woodcocks, chasing one another and calling loudly just above our heads! Our day finished in superb fashion
with mind-blowingly close views of Philippine Frogmouth right next to our camp, what an amazing first day!
Our second day began very early when Rob located a Giant Scops Owl next to the camp at 02.45 which stuck
around for all of us to see, such an awesome bird that there were no complaints even from those trying to
overcome their jetlag! Our real birding began after dawn with endemic Grey-hooded Sunbird and Olive-capped
Flowerpecker the early highlights, followed closely by Rufous-headed Tailorbird, our first Mindanao Racquet-tails

zipping by and several Short-tailed Starlings. A nice forest patch yielded Philippine Cuckoo Doves and the
striking Black-and-cinnamon Fantail before we arrived at a viewing place with a superb vista over the
surrounding forested ridges and the ideal place to scan for the mountains, and arguably the Philippines, most
prized bird, the Philippine Eagle. First to take to the skies was an adult Pinsker’s Hawk Eagle, closely followed
by the resident Oriental Honey Buzzards in full ‘butterfly’ display flights and a migrant Chinese Goshawk.
Despite the perfect weather THE Eagle kept us waiting quite some time before rising up from the valley below,
slowly gaining height before drifting down into the hillsides opposite. Still on a high from the encounter we next
added a set of White-cheeked Bullfinch feeding nearby. After an early picnic lunch most of us decided to use
our time to head higher up the mountain and almost immediately reaped the rewards; Streak-breasted
Rhabdornis feeding at close range in a fruiting tree, excellent views of Olive-capped Flowerpeckers and then a
calling Long-tailed Ground Warbler which crossed the path nearby. A pair of McGregor’s Cuckooshrikes were
next to appear, then at our furthest point, fine views of Black-masked White-eyes. A calling Blue-capped
Kingfisher on the ascent which we thought had given us the slip, was fortuitously calling again when we headed
back and this time we found him perched for excellent ‘scope views of this tricky bird. Mindanao Hornbill and
Apo Myna completed our additions for the walk, then after yet more thrilling views of the Bukidnon Woodcocks
we finished the day with yet another owl, this time a fine Everett’s Scops Owl, part of the three-way splitting of
Philippine Scops Owl.
Apo Myna and Blue-capped Kingfisher, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao
Olive-capped Flowerpecker and Sulphur-billed Nuthatch, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

The next day our aim was to hike higher up the mountain to find some of the higher altitude Mindanao
endemics but there was still plenty to see along the way and we soon enjoyed excellent looks at Tawny
Grassbirds, Pied Triller and Cinnamon Ibon in addition to those seen the previous day. In the open grassy areas
a pair of Blue-breasted Quail were flushed, a Philippine Falconet sat atop a distant dead tree, more Stripebreasted
Rhabdornis showed and the first flock of Mindanao Racquet-tails for the day zoomed past. Once we
reached the higher forests McGregor’s Cuckooshrike and a funky Apo Myna appeared in quick succession,
White-cheeked Bullfinch gave closer views than the previous day and a Mindanao Racquet-tail perched
unobtrusively in the canopy was ‘scoped. At our highest point the target bird was Apo Sunbird and it took some
time watching flowering trees and listening for calls before we finally all watched an obliging male perched up.
On the walk down, those of us that stuck it out were able to get brief looks at our final possible montane
endemic, the skulking Red-eared Parrotfinch, and of course we couldn’t resist more looks at the Bukidnon
Woodcocks at dusk or the Giant and Everett’s Scops Owls late at night.
Rufous Hornbill and Chocolate Boobook, PICOP, Mindanao
Celestial Monarch and Short-crested Monarch, PICOP, Mindanao
The next day was mostly a travel day but we squeezed in some birding around the camp before leaving,
rewarding us with Yellow-bellied Whistler, several Buzzing Flowerpeckers, a single Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
and at last, a nice perched view of Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove. The walk down to our waiting vehicle added
Philippine Coucals, both Tawny and Striated Grassbirds, Philippine Cuckoo Dove and our first Red-keeled
Flowerpeckers before we hit the road for the long journey all the way around the north-eastern tip of Mindanao
and down to the former logging hub of Bislig on the east coast.

Bislig owes its existence to PICOP logging concession; the largest logging area ever in the Philippines which
ceased operation more than 10 years ago and it is the remaining scraps of forest that we were here for.
Although the remaining forest is disappearing at an alarming rate, and the area probably only has a limited
remaining lifespan, the birding at the moment is still excellent!
We started our first of three days here by successfully calling in the near-endemic Chocolate Boobook but were
left frustrated by the calling Mindanao Boobooks that just didn’t want to show. Even during our picnic breakfast
new birds appeared including our first Philippine Serpent Eagle, Yellow-wattled Bulbul, Writhed Hornbill in the
‘scope and amazingly a stunning male Short-crested Monarch, one of the sites most desirable endemics!
The birds continue to flow after breakfast; Philippine Falconet, a responsive Philippine Drongo Cuckoo, more
Writhed together with Mindanao Hornbills, several Philippine Magpie Robins, Black-faced Coucal in the ‘scope
and a pair of striking Rufous-lored Kingfisher – another key endemic. There was barely chance to catch our
breath! A pair of Philippine Orioles plucking caterpillars from a nearby tree were entertaining as Coleto chirped
nearby, powerful Purple Needletails performed overhead and Scarlet Minivets of one of the distinctive Mindanao
forms gonzalesi surely guaranteed us a future ‘armchair tick’.
Steere’s Pitta and Philippine Needletail, PICOP, Mindanao
Moving on a Yellow-bellied Whistler sang brazenly in the open as a Rufous-fronted Tailorbird hopped around it,
a Red-bellied Pitta calling nearby was seen briefly before we were distracted by its endemic cousin, a Steere’s
Pitta nearby, which gave views to most of us. More of the commoner species like Yellowish Bulbul and Orangetufted
Spiderhunter (the Little Spiderhunter in the Philippines now split into two), Bicolored Flowerpecker, and a
pair of skulking Black-headed Tailorbirds were added before we descended into some denser forest hoping for a
feeding flock. Things were quite slower until Oliver brilliantly spotted a female Blue-capped Kingfisher nearby
which gave excellent views, then as we walked back we were surprised by spontaneous daytime calling from a
Mindanao Boobook. Not wishing to pass up an opportunity, Rob set out searching and eventually found one of
the roosting birds high up in the canopy and once we finally found the ideal viewing spot, we were able to scope
the bird which had only been ‘officially’ split as a full species 6 months before. As we hung around in this same
area, a feeding flock finally came our way and gave us views of most of the commoner flock species like Blue
Fantail, a pair of Short-crested Monarch, Rusty-crowned Babbler and a female Philippine Trogon nearby. After a
picnic lunch we headed off to another forest patch and soon after arrival we were amid another feeding flock,
but this time there were also Mindanao Pygmy Babblers and Philippine Leaf Warbler among the commoner
species. The late afternoon was spent scanning a forest clearing but try as we might, the hoped for hornbills
never appeared and the highlight was a close flyover from a Philippine Needletail, showing off its bizarre wing
shape and white under-wing patches to great effect.
Day two started in the same areas, this time trying to call out another Black-headed Tailorbird which had just
appeared when a calling Rufous Hornbill teased us away but then went quiet. Choosing a nice forest clearing
from which to scan we soon added Naked-faced Spiderhunter, more Mindanao Pygmy Babblers, Everett’s
White-eye and a glowing Rufous Paradise Flycatcher. The song of a Little Slaty Flycatcher soon had us
scrambling into the nearby forest, but it was firstly a group of Streaked Ground Babblers, then a Black-headed
Tailorbird that showed, before the male flycatcher finally arrived to circle us several times, frequently perching
in view. More views of Naked-faced Spiderhunter followed, then after a heavy downpour a Steere’s Pitta gave
an amazing performance, flying straight out of the forest to land right above our heads where it called away
completely unconcerned!
Either side of lunch was spent searching for another feeding flock which we again tracked down in the late
morning and this time the distinctive song of a Celestial Monarch got the pulses racing but he was typically
elusive and the glimpses high in the canopy or flying over were not satisfactory and it remained high on our
target list! More Writhed Hornbills and Philippine Needletail accompanied our lunch break, and long perched

views of Rufous-fronted Tailorbird highlighted in the early afternoon before we settled into a different clearing
for the late afternoon. Many Writhed Hornbills were soon found, totalling more than 40 by the days end, and so
our hopes were high but it was a long wait before the deep booms of Rufous Hornbills rang out across the
forest and we headed their way hoping for views, and we were not disappointed... the family of four gave
amazing looks as they twice passed overhead before perching up nearby for us to admire through the ‘scope,
quite magnificent and no surprise when they were ultimately voted as bird-of-the-tour!
Mindanao Pygmy Babbler and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, PICOP, Mindanao
We decide to start our final day at PICOP in this same area, hoping that the fruiting trees attracting the
hornbills might also be drawing in many other species. There were again many Writhed Hornbills in the area but
also other frugivores like Philippine Fairy Bluebirds, Philippine Green Pigeon, Guaiabero and numerous
Coppersmith Barbets. Heading into the nearby forest, the pulses were soon racing as the Celestial Monarch was
calling again, and this time they obliged brilliantly, including several prolonged ‘scope views of the male! While
watching these a pair of Blue-crowned Racquet-tails passed close overhead as did a huge Pink-bellied Imperial
Pigeon just meters above our head!
With the heat rising, a short spell of raptor watching produced at least two Steere’s Honey Buzzards alongside
Philippine Serpent Eagle, then in spite of the midday heat we decide on a last bash for a couple of missing
endemics and this paid off in fine fashion; firstly a dapper Olive-backed Flowerpecker, then a Philippine Leafbird
which lived up to its name by being perfectly camouflaged as it tried to stay hidden in the foliage, and between
all these was yet another magnificent Rufous Hornbill family!
After another picnic lunch we headed to a rather grotty pond which has for many years been renowned as an
easy place to see Southern Silvery Kingfisher. They have become more aloof in recent years and it took some
hours before one finally appeared but it was certainly worth the effort as this tiny jewel with its plumage
spangled with white and topped with bright red feet, posed perfectly. From here we headed out to the rarely
used airfield at Bislig only to be thwarted by torrential rain which left us with only a short time for birding,
although we did still managed to find both Philippine and Wandering Whistling Ducks, Cinnamon, Black and
Yellow Bitterns, Watercock, Ruddy-breasted Crake and White-browed Crake! On our way back Philippine
Nightjars dotted the runway and Fred’s sharp eyes spotted an Eastern Grass Owl heading our way, which we
watched float passed in the spotlight.
Another travel day followed, flying first back to Manila then onwards to Palawan where we spent the night in
the bustling capital Puerto Princesa ready for a whole new injection of new birds the next day. Our first morning
on this decidedly tropical island was spent along the Balsahan Trail which follows the picturesque Balsahan
River as it meanders through some fine lowland forest. New birds were quick to appear; Palawan Crows, Pinstriped
Tit Babblers, Dark-sided Flycatcher, huge Great Slaty Woodpeckers passing overhead and our first
island endemics like Lovely Sunbird, Palawan Tits, White-vented Shama, Yellow-throated Leafbird, and two
recently split bulbuls; Ashy-fronted (from Olive-winged) and Palawan (from Grey-cheeked). Our two main
targets here also made appearances fairly fast, firstly a dapper Palawan Flycatcher with its bright orange throat
and rufous tail, barely recognisable as the dull creature depicted in the field guide! The next were a pair of
Melodious Babblers which were easy to hear but difficult to catch sight of these arch skulkers, and it was some
time before one finally paused in the open. Sightings of a pair of Palawan Blue Flycatchers finished our walk
nicely although there were still more to add when a stop on the exit road found an obliging pair of Blue Paradise
Flycatchers, Crested Serpent Eagle, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-headed Bulbul and our first Palawan
Flowerpecker. A stop in the nearby rice fields was a great finish to the morning with a White-headed Stilt hiding
amongst its Black-winged compatriates, Swinhoe’s Snipe, Ruff, Oriental Pratincole and numerous Long-toed
Stints on offer before we celebrated with a fine seafood feast.

Palawan Tit and Palawan Flycatcher, Iwahig, Palawan
Our afternoon plan was to make our way north across the island to our next destination at Sabang with birding
stops along the way, the first of which was at an area of tall mangroves where it took only a few moments to
find a stunning Copper-throated Sunbird together with several Pale Spiderhunters, the other half of the Little
Spiderhunter split.
We then had an enjoyable walk along a tree-lined stretch of road where we found yet more Palawan Tits,
Common Hill Myna inspecting nest holes, Dark-throated Oriole, Sulphur-bellied Bulbul and Asian Fairy Bluebird.
Good numbers of Grey-faced Buzzards were headed northwards on their spring migration but the undoubted
highlight was close views of three Palawan Hornbills, a species that can sometimes be tricky to find.
We finished the day at a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views of limestone karst forest on one side and
extensive mangroves down to the coast on the other. A dark phase Changeable Hawk Eagle perched nearby
kept watch as we added good flyby views of Blue-headed Racquet-tails, two more Palawan Hornbills, and
wonderful prolonged views of a Philippine Cockatoo as it perched, preened and flew around the nearby hillsides.
We finished the day with a spot of night-birding which gave us Large-tailed Nightjars hawking at dusk and fine
views of Palawan Frogmouth.
Palawan Frogmouth and Palawan Hornbill, St. Paul’s N.P., Palawan
The next morning was time for one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the tour as we boarded small outriggers
for the journey out along the rugged coastline of St. Pauls National Park to the remote Subterranean
River, a quality attraction in itself, but we were here to see an avian celebrity, the male Palawan Peacock
Pheasant which has for more than a decade been entertaining visitors. We were not disappointed as he flaunted

his stunning plumage before us and followed us (particularly Oliver!) along the trails before retreating into the
forest onto a handy fallen log and have a long series of territorial calls as he fanned his tail to flash his bright
blue ocelli. It was no surprise that he won the bird of the day vote! Also in the area we enjoyed fine looks at
two Hooded Pittas and after some searching a Ruddy Kingfisher, whose red tones glowed in the forest. We
finished our visit here with a very obliging pair of Tabon Scrubfowl, scratching about unconcerned in the leaflitter,
then a group of four Eastern Reef Egrets, three dark and one white, on rocks as we headed back. Some
final late morning birding along the road gave us improved views of Blue-headed Racquet-tail, our first Brownbacked
Needletail and skulking Ashy-headed Babblers. In the afternoon we took to the roads again, taking just
minutes to find our first target, Spot-throated Flameback. Some excellent activity followed involving many of
the species seen already with only Asian Drongo Cuckoo, Fiery Minivet, Black-chinned Fruit Dove and a flyover
Oriental Hobby new, although mega views of Great Slaty Woodpecker and many migrating Chinese Goshawk
and Grey-faced Buzzard were great to see. Another night-birding session frustrated us with a calling Palawan
Scops Owl only glimpsed in flight.
Falcated Ground Babbler and Hooded Pitta, St. Paul’s N.P., Palawan
Mantanani Scops Owl and Grey Imperial Pigeon, Honda Bay, Palawan
We still had one big target left for the final morning near Sabang and our first site drew a blank again, although
perched Blue-headed Racquet-tails were some compensation. Our second site looked to be heading for failure
as well until a dark shape scurrying on the forest floor signalled the arrival of a pair of Falcated Ground Babbler
which defied their usual skulking nature to give the most amazing performance we’ve ever had, approaching us

to just a few meters and singing in the open! We finished the morning with a visit to the beautiful white sand
beach close to our resort and easily found a male Malaysian Plover.
Thanks to this outstanding success we had time in the afternoon to take a boat trip out to an offshore island
near Puerto Princesa with two small-island specialities, known as ‘tramp species’, as our targets. The first
performed quite quickly as several Grey Imperial Pigeons gave progressively better views. Since visitors are no
longer allowed to stay after dark we didn’t have high hopes of finding the other but amazingly with some
diligent searching we found a day roosting Mantanani Scops Owl for the second tour running, brilliantly
camouflaged by its grey plumages pressed tight up again a tree trunk. Two different Great-billed Herons
roosting offshore finished off another excellent day!
We used the few hours before our flight the next morning for a visit to the foreshore near town where we easily
found some wintering Chinese Egrets still hanging around plus a fine selection of waders including both Lesser
and Greater Sandplovers, Grey-tailed Tattlers, Red-necked Stints and Ruddy Turnstone. Even the nearby
mangroves and scrub turned up Spot-throated Flameback and an obliging Oriental Reed Warbler.
Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Mount Makiling and Green-backed Tailorbird at Subic Bay, Luzon
Then it was time to fly back to Manila, and a short ride south of the city found us at our next destination, the
forested slopes of Mount Makiling. Our first afternoon was spent around the adjacent university campus, firstly
a failed attempt to find Indigo-banded Kingfisher, then we took to the grasslands with greater success, finding
Spotted Buttonquail, Barred Rail and Plain Bush-hen all coming out to feed on the grassy track, besides a
flyover Philippine Hawk Cuckoo, Golden-headed Cisticola and spectacular Scale-feathered Malkoha.
Rufous Coucal and Luzon Flameback, Subic Bay, Luzon

Early the next morning we made our way up into the forest proper, taking the lazy option of a jeepney ride to
get us higher on the mountain predawn. First to appear were a pair of Luzon Boobooks captured in the
spotlight, then as day arrived a fine male Philippine Trogon and several views of an obliging Spotted Wood
Kingfisher. Our first Flaming Sunbirds appeared as did Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Elegant Tits and both Scalefeathered
and Red-crested Malkoha. After battling for some time to see an elusive Luzon White-browed
Sharma, another individual gave a much better show, and likewise a Grey-backed Tailorbird which moved
around in forest tangles nearby. A calling Luzon Bleeding-heart caused much excitement and responded by
wandering in towards us twice, seen by those looking in the right direction.
White-lored Oriole and Green Racquet-tail, Subic Bay, Luzon
Lowland White-eye and Ashy Ground Thrush, Manila, Luzon
A large fruiting tree on our walk down was a hive of activity and those willing to suffer the neck pains of staring
straight up into the canopy found Striped, Buzzing and Bicolored Flowerpeckers and Yellowish White-eyes.
Our main target in the afternoon was Indigo-banded Kingfisher which was apparently absent from its previously
reliable haunts. Our first alternative site drew a blank again but at the second we had delightful views of a male
apparently trying to cool off in the cool of the river, against the intense afternoon humidity.
A change in itinerary the next day allowed us to visit a couple of good stakeouts on the way to Subic Bay, the
first sadly a blank as the juvenile Philippine Eagle Owl had chosen to roost elsewhere for the day, but the
second place, an local park in metro Manila gave us superb views of Ashy Ground Thrush, Hooded Pitta, and
both Asian Emerald Dove and Lowland White-eye sitting tight on nests close to the trail. A ‘Mangrove’ Blue

Flycatcher was a good species to find here as it is likely to be split in the future, and both Kamchatka Leaf
Warbler and Golden-bellied Gerygone could be found feeding in the same tree.
We arrived at the well protected forests of Subic Bay, site of the former U.S. Naval Base, in time for a couple of
hours birding and although it was quieter than usual we did easily add Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, Blue-naped
Parrot and Luzon Flamebacks to our list, and great looks at a juvenile Luzon Hawk Eagle circling overhead.
With just a morning to find a stack of remaining endemics at Subic we certainly had our work cut out! It began
successfully though with a fine Philippine Scops Owl called out for a close viewing right on the cusp of dawn.
Likewise a White-fronted Tit behaved impeccably, starting to call just as day arrived and coming in close for
good views as Luzon Hornbills, Blue-naped Parrots and Blackish Cuckooshrikes appeared all around us. Next
star to appear was a Northern Sooty Woodpecker perched motionless atop a dead stump, then our first of
several White-lored Orioles overhead. After several brief sightings a Green Racquet-tail finally performed
perfectly, perching and flying right overhead several times, likewise it took two attempts for us all to see
skulking Green-backed Tailorbirds but with views to just a few meters it was well worth it! Our final skulker also
eventually gave in, when one from a large group of Rufous Coucals broke away to perch in open view, even
cocking his tail as he preened, our final endemic of the morning which completed a superb tour as we headed
back to Manila for our onward flights.
The tour recorded a total of 302 species of which 8 were heard only. This included 140 species endemic to the
Philippines and 7 near-endemics which are found only marginally outside the Philippines and can be considered
Philippine specialities. For further information on Birdtour Asia tours to the Philippines please contact us via our
e-mail or click here for our scheduled departure tours.
More tour photos
Mountain Verditer Flycatcher and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis and Philippine Eagle, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

White-cheeked Bullfinch and White-eared Brown Dove, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao
Rufous Hornbill and Writhed Hornbill, PICOP, Mindanao
Rufous-lored Kingfisher and Philippine Drongo Cukoo, PICOP, Mindanao

Olive-backed Flowerpecker and Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, PICOP, Mindanao
Philippine Leafbird and Yellowish Bulbul, PICOP, Mindanao
Black-chinned Fruit Dove and Palawan Flowerpecker, St. Paul’s N. P., Palawan

Tabon Scrubfowl and Gret Slaty Woodpecker, St. Paul’s N. P., Palawan
Blue-headed Racquet-tail and Pacific Reef Egret, St. Paul’s N. P., Palawan
Ruddy Kingfisher and Palawan Blue Flycatcher (female), St. Paul’s N. P., Palawan

Pale Spiderhunter and Philippine Cockatoo, St. Paul’s N. P., Palawan
Systematic List
White-lored Oriole and Blackish Cuckooshrike, Subic Bay, Luzon
CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae
Great-billed Heron
Purple Heron
Eastern Great Egret
Pacific Reef Heron
Intermediate Egret
Chinese Egret
Little Egret
Javan Pond Heron
Striated Heron
Eastern Cattle Egret
Cinnamon Bittern
Yellow Bittern
Black Bittern
Ardea sumatrana
Ardea purpurea
Ardea [alba] modestus
Egretta sacra
Egretta intermedia
Egretta eulophotes
Egretta garzetta
Ardeola speciosa
Butorides striata
Bubulcus [ibis] coromandus
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Ixobrychus sinensis
Dupetor flavicollis
ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
Wandering Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna arcuata
Philippine Duck Anas luzonica e
FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Pernis ptilorhynchus philippensis

Steere's Honey Buzzard Pernis steerei steerei e
Brahminy Kite
Haliastur indus
Besra
Accipiter virgatus quagga
Chinese Goshawk
Accipiter soloensis
Crested Goshawk
Accipiter trivirgatus palawanus
Grey-faced Buzzard
Butastur indicus
Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela palawanensis
Philippine Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus e
Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi e
Changeable Hawk Eagle
Nisaetus limnaeetus
Luzon Hawk Eagle Nisaetus [philippensis] philippensis e
Pinsker's Hawk Eagle Nisaetus [philippensis] pinskeri e
FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
Philippine Falconet Microhierax erythrogenys e
Oriental Hobby
Falco severus
GALLIFORMES: Megapodiidae
Tabon Scrubfowl
Megapodius cumingii cumingii
GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus philippensis heard only
Palawan Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron napoleonis e
Blue-breasted Quail
Coturnix chinensis lineata
GRUIFORMES: Turnicidae
Spotted Buttonquail Turnix ocellatus e
GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
Barred Rail
Gallirallus torquatus torqatus
Ruddy-breasted Crake
Porzana fusca
White-browed Crake
Porzana cinerea ocularis
Plain Bush-hen Amaurornis olivacea e
White-breasted Waterhen
Amaurornis phoenicurus
Watercock
Gallicrex cinerea
CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae
Grey Plover
Pacific Golden Plover
Little Ringed Plover
Kentish Plover
Malaysian Plover
Lesser Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Pluvialis fulva
Charadrius dubius curonicus
Charadrius alexandrinus
Charadrius peronii
Charadrius mongolus mongolus
Charadrius leschenaultii
CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
Common Redshank
Tringa totanus
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Grey-tailed Tattler
Heteroscelus brevipes
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Swinhoe's Snipe
Gallinago megala
Bukidnon Woodcock Scolopax bukidnonensis e
Rufous-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis
Long-toed Stint
Calidris subminuta
Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae
Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum
CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt
White-headed Stilt
Himantopus [himantopus] himantopus
Himantopus [himantopus] leucocephalus
CHARADRIIFORMES: Sternidae
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
Philippine ]Pompadour] Green Pigeon Treron [pompadora] axillaris e
Pink-necked Green Pigeon
Treron vernans
White-eared Brown Dove Phapitreron leucotis e
Phapitreron leucotis leucotis
Phapitreron leucotis brevirostris
Amethyst Brown Dove Phapitreron [amethystinus] amethystinus e
Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis e
Black-chinned Fruit Dove Ptilinopus leclancheri ne
Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala e
Green Imperial Pigeon
Ducula aenea
Ducula aenea aenea
Ducula aenea palawanensis
Grey Imperial Pigeon Ducula pickeringii ne
Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris e
Red Collared Dove
Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis
Zebra Dove
Geopelia striata
Emerald Dove
Chalcophaps indica
Luzon Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba luzonica e
PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae
Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus e
Philippine Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia e
Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis ne
Green Racquet-tail Prioniturus luconensis e
Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus e
Blue-headed Racquet-tail Prioniturus platenae e
Mindanao Racquet-tail Prioniturus waterstradti e
Colasisi Loriculus philippensis e
Loriculus philippensis philippensis
Loriculus philippensis apicalis
CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
Large Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides heard only
Philippine Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus pectoralis e
Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis merulinus merulinus
Rusty-breasted Cuckoo
Cacomantis [sepucralis] sepucralis
Violet Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus amethystinus
Asian Drongo-Cuckoo
Surniculus lugubris minimus
Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus [lugubris] velutinus e
Common Koel
Eudynamys scolopaceus mindanensis
Scale-feathered Malkoha Lepidogrammus cumingi e
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Zanclostomus curvirostris harringtoni
Red-crested Malkoha Dasylophus superciliosus e
Greater Coucal
Centropus sinensis
Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis viridis e
Black-faced Coucal Centropus melanops e
Rufous Coucal Centropus unirufus e
STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae
Eastern Grass Owl
Tyto longimembris amauronota
STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
Mantanani Scops Owl Otus mantananensis mantananensis ne
Palawan Scops Owl Otus fuliginosus e
Philippine Scops Owl Otus [megalotis] megalotis e
Everett's Scops Owl Otus megalotis everetti e
Giant Scops Owl Mimizuku gurneyi e
Chocolate Boobook Ninox randi ne
Luzon Boobook Ninox [philippensis] philippensis e
Mindanao Boobook Ninox [philippensis] spilocephala e
Spotted Wood Owl Strix seloputo wiepkeni heard only
CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae
Philippine Frogmouth Batrachostomus septimus e
Palawan Frogmouth Batrachostomus [javensis] chaseni e

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
Great Eared Nightjar
Eurostopodus macrotis macrotis
Large-tailed Nightjar
Caprimulgus macrurus
Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis e
APODIFORMES: Apodidae
Island Swiflet Aerodramus [vanikornensis] amelis e
Palawan Swiftlet Aerodramus [vanikornensis] palawensis ne
Philippine Swiftlet Aerodramus mearnsi e
Germain's [Edible-nest] Swiftlet
Aerodramus [fuciphaga] germani
Glossy Swiftlet
Collocalia esculenta
Collocalia esculenta bagobo
Collocalia esculenta subsp. Palawan
Grey-rumped [Glossy] Swiftlet Collocalia [esculenta] marginata e
Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes e
Philippine Needletail Mearnsia picina e
Brown-backed Needletail
Hirundapus giganteus
Purple Needletail
Hirundapus celebensis
House Swift
Apus [affinis] nipalensis
Asian Palm Swift
Cypsiurus balasiensis pallidior
APODIFORMES: Hemiprocnidae
Whiskered Treeswift
Hemiprocne comata major
TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
Philippine Trogon Harpactes ardens e
Harpactes ardens luzoniensis
Harpactes ardens ardens
CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae
Common Dollarbird
Eurystomus orientalis
CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis bengalensis
Indigo-banded Kingfisher Alcedo cyanopecta cyanopecta e
Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo argentata argentata e
Rufous-backed Kingfisher
Ceyx rufidorsa
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Pelargopsis capensis gouldi
Ruddy Kingfisher
Halcyon coromanda
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon [smyrnensis] gularis e
Rufous-lored Kingfisher Todirhamphus winchelli mindanensis e
Collared Kingfisher
Todirhamphus chloris
Spotted Wood Kingfisher Actenoides lindsayi lindsayi e
Blue-capped Wood Kingfisher Actenoides hombroni e
CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
Rufous-crowned Bee-eater Merops [viridis] americanus e
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Merops philippinus
CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae
Luzon Hornbill Penelopides [panini] manillae e
Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides [panini] affinis e
Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus e
Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei e
Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax mindanensis e
PICIFORMES: Capitonidae
Coppersmith Barbet
Megalaima haemacephala
Megalaima haemacephala haemacephala
Megalaima haemacephala mindanensis
PICIFORMES: Picidae
Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos maculatus e
Dendrocopos maculatus validirostris
Dendrocopos maculatus fulvifasciatus
Northern Sooty Woodpecker Mulleripicus [funebris] funebris e
Great Slaty Woodpecker
Mulleripicus pulverulentus

White-bellied Woodpecker
Dryocopus javensis
Luzon [Greater] Flameback Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] haematribon e
Buff-spotted [Greater] Flameback Chrysocolaptes [lucidus] lucidus e heard only
Spot-throated [Common] Flameback Dinopium [javanense] everetti e
PASSERIFORMES: Pittidae
Red-bellied Pitta
Hooded Pitta
Erythropitta erythrogaster
Erythropitta erythrogaster propinqua
Erythropitta erythrogaster erythrogaster
Pitta sordida
Pitta sordida palawanensis
Pitta sordida sordida
Steere's Pitta Pitta steerii e
PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
Barn Swallow
Pacific Swallow
Striated Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Hirundo tahitica
Cecropis striolata
PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike
Coracina striata striata
Blackish Cuckooshrike Coracina coerulescens e
McGregor's Cuckooshrike Coracina mcgregori e
Pied Triller
Lalage nigra chilensis
Ashy Minivet
Pericrocotus divaricatus
Fiery Minivet
Pericrocotus igneus
Scarlet Minivet
Pericrocotus speciosus gonzalesi
PASSERIFORMES: Chloropseidae
Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis e
Yellow-throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis e
PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
Common Iora
Aegithina tiphia
PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
Black-headed Bulbul
Yellow-vented Bulbul
Yellow-wattled Bulbul
Pycnonotus atriceps
Pycnonotus goiavier
Pycnonotus urostictus
Pycnonotus urostictus urostictus
Pycnonotus urostictus philippensis
Ashy-fronted [Olive-winged] Bulbul Pycnonotus [plumosus] cinereifrons e
Palawan [Grey-cheeked] Bulbul Criniger [bres] frater e
Sulphur-bellied Bulbul Iole palawanensis e
Philippine Bulbul Hypsipetes [Ixos] philippinus e
Yellowish Bulbul Ixos everetti everetti e
PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
Sunda [Ashy] Drongo
Dicrurus [leucophaeus] leucophaeus
Luzon Balicassiao Dicrurus [balicassius] balicassius e
Palawan Drongo Dicrurus [hottentottus] palawanensis e
Mindanao Drongo Dicrurus [bracteatus] striatus e
PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
Dark-throated Oriole
Oriolus xanthonotus
Philippine Oriole Oriolus steerii e
White-lored Oriole Oriolus [steerii] albiloris e
Black-naped Oriole
Oriolus chinensis
Oriolus chinensis chinensis
Oriolus chinensis yamamurae
PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
Philippine Fairy Bluebird Irena cyanogastra e
Asian Fairy Bluebird
Irena puella tweeddalei
PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Palawan [Slender-billed] Crow Corvus [enca] pusillus e
Eastern Jungle [Large-billed] Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] levaillantii
PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
Palawan Tit Parus amabilis e
Elegant Tit Parus elegans e
Parus elegans elegans
Parus elegans mindanensis
Luzon White-fronted Tit Parus [semilarvatus] semilarvatus e
PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
Sulphur-billed Nuthatch Sitta oenochlamys e
PASSERIFORMES: Rhabdornithidae
Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis mystacalis e
Rhabdornis mystacalis mystacalis
Rhabdornis mystacalis minor
Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis Rhabdornis [inornatus] alaris e
PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
Ashy-headed Babbler Malacocincla cinereiceps e
Melodious Babbler Malacopteron palawanense e
Falcated Ground Babbler Ptilocichla falcata e
Streaked Ground Babbler Ptilocichla mindanensis e
Mindanao Pygmy Babbler Sterrhoptilus [plateni] plateni e
Rusty-crowned Babbler Sterrhoptilus capitalis e
Pin-striped Tit Babbler
Macronous gularis woodi
Brown Tit Babbler Macronous striaticeps e
PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
White-browed Shortwing Brachypteryx montana mindanensis heard only
Philippine [Oriental] Magpie Robin Copsychus [saularis] deuteronymus e
Luzon White-browed Shama Copsychus [luzoniensis] luzoniensis e
White-vented Shama Copsychus niger e
Pied Bushchat
Saxicola caprata
Ashy Ground Thrush Zoothera cinerea e
Eye-browed Thrush
Turdus obscurus
PASSERIFORMES: Acanthizidae
Golden-bellied Gerygone
Gerygone sulphurea
PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis heard only
Kamchatka Leaf Warbler
Phylloscupus examinandus
Philippine Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus olivaceus e
Mountain Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus nigrorum flavostriatus
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus stentoreus harterti
Oriental Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus orientalis
Tawny Grassbird
Megalurus timoriensis tweeddalei
Striated Grassbird
Megalurus palustris forbesi
Middendorff's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella ochotensis heard only
Green-backed [Philippine] Tailorbird Orthotomus [castaneiceps] chloronotus e
Rufous-fronted [Philippine] Tailorbird Orthotomus [castaneiceps] frontalis e
Grey-backed Tailorbird Orthotomus derbianus e
Rufous-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus [cuculatus] heterolaemus e
Rufous-tailed Tailorbird
Orthotomus sericeus
Black-headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps e
PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
Bright-capped Cisticola
Cisticola exilis
Long-tailed Ground Warbler Bradypterus caudatus unicolor e
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica e
Grey-streaked Flycatcher
Muscicapa griseisticta
Mountain Verditer Flycatcher
Eumyias panayensis nigriloris
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki heard only
Snowy-browed Flycatcher
Ficedula hyperythra montigena

Little Slaty Flycatcher Ficedula basilanica e
Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae e
Little Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula westermanni
Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri e
Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis rufigastra philippensis
PASSERIFORMES: Rhipiduridae
Philippine Pied Fantail Rhipidura [javanica] nigritorquis e
Mindanao Blue Fantail Rhipidura [superciliaris] superciliaris e
Black-and-cinnamon Fantail Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea e
PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
Rufous Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cinnamomea cinnamomea ne
Blue Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone cyanescens e
Black-naped Monarch
Hypothymis azurea azurea
Celestial Monarch Hypothymis coelestis e
Short-crested Monarch Hypothymis helenae e
PASSERIFORMES: Pachycephalidae
Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis apoensis e
PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
Grey Wagtail
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
White Wagtail
Paddyfield Pipit
Motacilla cinerea
Motacilla tschutschensis simillima
Motacilla alba subsp.
Anthus rufulus lugubris
PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae
White-breasted Wood-swallow
Artamus leucorynchus
PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae
Long-tailed Shrike
Brown Shrike
Lanius schach nasutus
Lanius cristatus lucionensis
PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae
Short-tailed Starling
Aplonis minor todayensis
Asian Glossy Starling
Aplonis panayensis
Coleto Sarcops calvus e
Crested Myna
Acridotheres cristatellus
Apo Myna Basilornis miranda e
Common Hill Myna
Gracula religiosa palawanensis
PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
Plain-throated Sunbird
Anthreptes malacensis paraguae
Grey-throated Sunbird Anthreptes griseigularis griseigularis e
Copper-throated Sunbird
Leptocoma calcostetha
Olive-backed Sunbird
Cinnyris jugularis
Cinnyris jugularis aurora
Cinnyris jugularis jugularis
Purple-throated Sunbird
Leptocoma sperata
Leptocoma sperata sperata
Leptocoma sperata trochilus
Flaming Sunbird Aethopyga flagrans flagrans e
Grey-hooded Sunbird Aethopyga primigenia primigenia e
Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethopyga pulcherrima pulcherrima e
Apo Sunbird Aethopyga boltoni malindangensis e
Lovely Sunbird Aethopyga [shelleyi] shelleyi e
Handsome Sunbird Aethopyga [shelleyi] bella e
Naked-faced Spiderhunter Arachnothera clarae clarae e
Orange-tufted [Little] Spiderhunter Arachnothera [longirostra] flammifera
Pale [Little] Spiderhunter
Arachnothera [longirostra] dilutior
PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionochilus olivaceus olivaceus e
Palawan Flowerpecker Prionochilus plateni e
Striped Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeruginosum striatissimum e
Olive-capped Flowerpecker Dicaeum nigrilore nigrilore e

Bicolored Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor e
Red-keeled Flowerpecker Dicaeum australe e
Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum e
Dicaeum hypoleucum obscurum
Dicaeum hypoleucum pontifex
Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
Dicaeum trigonostigma cinereigularis
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Dicaeum ignipectus apo
Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum e
Dicaeum pygmaeum palawanorum
Dicaeum pygmaeum pygmaeum
PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae
Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni meyeni e
Everett's White-eye
Zosterops everetti basilanicus
Yellowish White-eye Zosterops nigrorum innominatus e
Mountain White-eye
Zosterops montanus vulcani
Black-masked White-eye Lophozosterops goodfellowi goodfellowi e
Cinnamon Ibon Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus e
PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
Red-eared Parrotfinch Erythrura coloria e
White-bellied Munia
Lonchura leucogastra
Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata
Black-headed Munia
Lonchura atricapilla
PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae
White-cheeked Bullfinch Pyrrhula leucogenis steerei e
Mammals
Davao Squirrel Sundasciurus davensis e
Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel Sundasciurus juvencus e
Little Golden-mantled Flying Fox Pteropus pumilus e
Large Flying Fox
Pteropus vampyrus
Long-tailed Macaque
Macaca fascicularis
Philippine Cockatoo, Palawan
© Rob Hutchinson / Birdtour Asia
The tour recorded a total of 302 species of which 8 were heard only. This included 140 species endemic to the
Philippines and 7 near-endemics which are found only marginally outside the Philippines and can be considered
Philippine specialities. For further information on Birdtour Asia tours to the Philippines please contact us via our e-
mail or click here for our scheduled departure tours.